Swing from the heels

Christa Castello

Major: Psychology

Sport: Softball

Anticipated graduation year: 2016

Hometown: Concord, Calif.

Why is UC Davis the one for you? “No matter how different we are, we all have one thing in common — we are proud to be UC Davis Aggies. It is something we will cherish and take with us everywhere we go. This past summer I was walking up the stairs in the Oakland Coliseum at an A’s game when I heard two men scream, “Go Ags!” I was wearing a UC Davis shirt and they were more than happy to show their support for their Alma Mater. This really showed me that no matter who you are or how you spend your time at UC Davis, it is a badge of honor you carry with you everywhere you go.”

What do you hope to be your legacy here at UC Davis – what marks have you made or changes that you hope will continue? “I hope my legacy here is that hard work pays off. It is balancing act being a student athlete, but I have learned that the harder you work and the more time you put in, the better the outcome. This applies to the classroom and field. Going over those flashcards one more time, or being the last one on the field after practice will lead to dramatic results. Natural brains and skills can only take you so far, determination will bring you where you want to go.”

Tell us about one person at UC Davis who has enhanced your life or your work? “Someone who has enhanced my life here would easily be my softball coach Karen Yoder. She not only is knowledgeable, but she cares about us as people. She can either be our biggest supporter or the person to light a fire under us and get us motivated. She makes me want to work harder and get better on and off the field. She not only has shaped a better player, but a better teammate.”